Action Verbs List: 6 Action words that make your resume rock

Action Verbs List is part of a series called How to Write a Resume. To start this series from the beginning, read the introduction.

It’s time to activate your resume with some action words. Action words, or verbs, ignite an otherwise dull resume by setting your skills on fire – giving your credentials authority and power. Verbs are important to include on your resume since they show hiring managers what actions you’ve taken in previous jobs.

You’re being hired to DO something – so show what you’ve DONE in the past by preceding your skills and experiences with action verbs!

Finding the right verbs for your resume is also key to standing out above the competition and landing a job interview.

Finding Your 6 Action Verbs

It’s easy to find the right verbs to make your resume rock. Start by taking your desired job description and highlight the 6 verbs that best reflect what you offer a prospective employer. Depending on the job description and your experience, you may find 3 or you may 30. The point is to identify the actions employers value and match them to your qualifications. The idea is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position.

If you’ve applied to several jobs within the same area, you may notice the same verbs are repeatedly requested in your job descriptions. So be sure to use these verbs in your resume to capture the attention of hiring managers.

A word of caution though, using too many verbs can lead to buzzword overkill and harm, rather than help your chances of landing a job interview. No hiring manager likes a resume saturated with lots of action and little substance. When I’ve been on hiring teams, I’ve been know to yell, “bingo” when too many matchy words are buzzing in a job application. So choose your action verbs with care by starting with 6 and going from there.

If you’re having difficulty seeing how the verbs in a job description match your skills, try using the Make Your Match Worksheet to help activate your resume.

Using Action Verbs on Your Resume

You’ve found some verbs, now put them into action. The idea is to precede your skills and accomplishments with a verb, and hopefully end each statement with concise facts and figures. I also have an action verbs list below to help you out.

For example, let’s look at a job description for a software developer. I’ve highlighted the 6 verbs that match the applicant’s skills best.

Now let’s get these 6 action verbs working for us in resume format! Here’s how:

Great points! I love action words – as a recruiting trainer, I always tell recruiters to use them in their job posts as well.

I remember my very first resume, I was a ‘facilitator of business communications’ (I answered the phones) and a ‘perforator of documentation (I punched holes in paper to store them. That’s back when things were actually recorded ON paper…imagine that! 🙂 ).

I’m going to have to dust off my resume and check my phrasing. My problem with resume’s and interviews is that I hate talking about myself but it looks like I might be in the job market soon. Your resume articles are a great resource.

It’s a good way to get you going if you find it hard to get started. All you have to do is pick up your keywords and expand it with specifics, stay away from vague details. When you could, keep your resume in one page, hiring managers don’t have all day so it’s important that you have killer summary and don’t add objective – this is obsolete.

[…] a long time attesting to your leadership qualities. Job searching is personalized marketing. Use action words in your resume to show your […]

Un auto-entrepreneur
January 4, 2010 at 5:11 am

Very useful. Thanks a lot

Jody
March 4, 2010 at 1:41 pm

I love this information. Got the resume pretty well set, but you said in the cover letter info to include the name of the hiring manager and to NEVER address as “To Whom It May Concern”…ok..so what if you are applying online, and you have no clue who the hiring manager is?? How do you address the person to whome you are sending the cover letter?

Thanks!

Vicky
August 22, 2010 at 9:40 pm

Hi,

Can you put “enthusiasm” or “helpfulness” as some of your skills under the “Relevant Skills” section on your resume, and then use action words to describe how these skills have been utilized and strengthened? I used to put those skills under my skills section (without using action words), and now when I am rewriting my resume, I was wondering if I can still do so.

Also, what if you are still actively involved in a volunteer organization, and you perform certain tasks that would be useful to mention under a specific skill category – would you use present or past tense for the action words? It sounds kind of strange to shift from present to past tense… so I figured I would ask you for some advice!

Thank you so much,
Vicky

10 Tips for Writing A Remarkable Resume in Today’s Creative World
November 9, 2010 at 1:35 pm

Very good tips, I’ll definitely modify my Resume accordingly. I’m looking to submit a few soon for a new position.

Leeda
July 25, 2013 at 6:40 pm

Excellent!!!!! THANK YOU !!

James Russell
April 16, 2014 at 9:56 am

Great post – Thank a lot. I am updating my resume again!
Regards.

Kathy Saunders
October 22, 2015 at 9:57 am

Great Article, was able to update my resume, much appreciated. I just improved my how profession certification section with new verbs instead of just saying “completed tnaoap microsoft excel certification” over and over again. Thanks!